What North Atlanta Should Know Today. Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

A nationwide license-plate-data network centered on Alpharetta leads today’s briefing. Gwinnett’s School Board has scheduled a little-explained hearing this morning, a GA 400 exit closes Saturday for approximately two years, and Forsyth County has released new details about its next round of sales-tax projects.

1. Alpharetta’s license-plate data reaches more than 2,000 organizations

Data collected by Alpharetta’s Flock Safety cameras is accessible to more than 2,000 police departments, colleges, airports and government agencies across the country, according to a new investigation based on public records.

Alpharetta, in turn, receives license-plate data from more than 1,300 organizations. The number of entities receiving its data has grown approximately 42% since June 2025, while the number sending data to the city has increased approximately 125%.

The Police Department told WIRED that requests from law-enforcement agencies within 500 miles are approved automatically, but that live feeds and analytics are not shared. A companion investigation also reports that an Alpharetta officer resigned Aug. 5 following an internal investigation into improper searches.

The findings raise immediate questions for the city about who approved the current sharing radius, what limits apply to outside agencies and how residents can evaluate whether the network remains proportionate to its public-safety purpose. WIRED’s investigation of Alpharetta’s data-sharing network and its report on the internal misuse investigation.

2. Gwinnett’s School Board holds a special hearing this morning

The Gwinnett County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting at 9 a.m. today at the district’s Instructional Support Center in Suwanee.

The district says the purpose is to conduct a hearing required by Georgia Code Section 20-1-11. Its public notice does not identify the underlying complaint, appeal or parties involved, leaving residents with little information about the matter being considered.

The cited law establishes procedures involving certain parent complaints and appeals. The board should clarify the nature of the hearing to the extent permitted by law and disclose any resulting decision that is subject to public release. Gwinnett’s official special-meeting notice.

3. GA 400’s existing southbound Exit 5 closes Saturday

Georgia DOT plans to close the existing Exit 5 on southbound GA 400 near North Springs and replace it with two temporary ramps beginning Saturday.

Exit 5B will serve the North Springs MARTA station. Exit 5A will carry drivers toward Abernathy Road and Hammond Drive. The temporary arrangement is expected to remain in place for approximately two years as construction advances on the GA 400 express lanes.

This will be a meaningful adjustment for North Fulton commuters who regularly use the current combined exit. Drivers should watch the overhead signs carefully rather than relying on habit, particularly during the first several days. The change remains weather-dependent. Georgia DOT’s GA 400 project information and WSB-TV’s report on the two-year closure.

4. Forsyth identifies projects competing for SPLOST IX money

Forsyth County’s latest SPLOST IX update identifies 12 sidewalk projects, 18 intersection projects and repairs to the Big Creek Greenway among the improvements expected to receive funding.

The package also includes work connected to the Polo Fields master plan and the Sharon Springs Park campus. Voters approved the ninth special-purpose sales tax in November 2024, and the county expects it to generate approximately $354.1 million through 2031.

The new overview establishes the breadth of the program, but residents will still need project-level schedules, budgets and progress reporting to see when individual improvements move from the funding list into construction. Forsyth County’s August SPLOST IX update and the county’s SPLOST program page.

5. Thunderstorms remain likely before a somewhat quieter weekend

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected across North Atlanta again today.

The National Weather Service is emphasizing lightning safety for outdoor activities. Conditions may vary considerably across the coverage area, so a dry morning or early afternoon does not rule out a later storm.

Rain coverage is expected to decrease gradually through the weekend. Temperatures then begin climbing, with low to mid-90s possible by the middle of next week. Current National Weather Service Atlanta forecast.

6. Forsyth remains one of the region’s fastest-growing counties

Forsyth County added an estimated 4,150 residents between April 2025 and April 2026, bringing its population to approximately 286,083, according to new Atlanta Regional Commission estimates.

Its 1.5% annual growth rate was the second highest in the 11-county region, behind Fulton County at 1.9%. Gwinnett added substantially more people—10,800—but grew at a slower rate of 1.1%.

The estimates show that pressure on Forsyth’s roads, schools and housing market continues even as metropolitan growth moderates. Residential permitting across the region fell 18.5% from the previous year, potentially worsening the mismatch between population growth and available housing. Atlanta Regional Commission’s complete population report and the county-by-county estimates.

7. Johns Creek stormwater bills are due Monday

Johns Creek property owners have until Monday, Aug. 31, to pay their annual stormwater utility bills.

The city uses the revenue to maintain and improve the drainage system that carries runoff from roads, buildings and other developed areas. Payments can be made through the city’s website.

A 10% late fee applies when the charge is not paid before the deadline, making this a practical item to resolve before the weekend ends. Johns Creek’s billing notice and stormwater utility FAQs.

8. Two local football games begin at 7:30 tonight

Johns Creek High School travels to Centennial tonight, while Alpharetta hosts Denmark. Both varsity football games are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Alpharetta-Denmark game brings together schools on opposite sides of the Fulton-Forsyth line, while Johns Creek’s trip to Centennial creates an all-North Fulton matchup.

Spectators should check for weather-related changes before leaving because thunderstorms remain possible into the evening. Johns Creek’s official athletics schedule and Alpharetta’s varsity football schedule.

9. Alpharetta’s Moonlight Market returns tonight

Downtown Alpharetta’s Moonlight Market runs from 6 to 10 tonight along North Broad and Market streets.

The event focuses on locally made art and handcrafted goods, offering an evening counterpart to the city’s more traditional daytime markets. Its downtown setting also places visitors within walking distance of restaurants and public parking.

Because the event is outdoors, visitors should check the forecast and city updates before traveling. Alpharetta’s Moonlight Market information.

10. A run and farmers market share Suwanee’s Town Center Saturday

Suwanee’s Town Center Park will host the Annandale Village Extra Mile 5K and one-mile run or walk from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The weekly Suwanee Farmers Market will operate during the same four-hour period, bringing produce, baked goods and other vendors to the area while the race is underway.

Visitors who are not participating in the run should allow additional time for parking and activity around the park. Both programs are outdoors and could be affected by lingering storm chances. Extra Mile 5K details and Suwanee’s weekend event calendar.

About the Author

Tsvi Jolles

Author, Editor & Publisher

Tsvi Jolles is the author of seven books and the founder and publisher of North Atlanta Star. He has lived in Cumming for almost a decade.

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